On a morning charged with purpose and pride at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead in Durban, Pakistan Women delivered a resounding performance to claim a 119-run victory over South Africa Women in the third and final ICC Women’s Championship ODI. Though the hosts had already secured the series 2-1, it was Pakistan’s day to shine, fueled by Sadaf Shamas’s dazzling 97 and Fatima Sana’s late-innings fireworks. The match doubled as South Africa’s annual Black Day ODI, aimed at raising awareness for Gender-Based Violence (GBV), adding extra significance to every run, wicket, and moment on the field.
South Africa, led by skipper Laura Wolvaardt, entered the contest with confidence, having clinched the ODI series with wins by 37 and 16 runs in Bloemfontein and Centurion, and boasting a preceding T20I series triumph by the same 2-1 margin. Yet, on this symbolic day, Pakistan’s women cricketers refused to bow out quietly. Instead, they produced their most complete performance of the tour, turning the tables on the Proteas in front of a crowd that had gathered not just for cricket, but for a cause.
Pakistan’s innings was set alight from the outset by opener Sadaf Shamas, who was proactive and fearless during the Power Play. Shamas, a 27-year-old right-hander, punished the South African attack, smashing 16 boundaries and a pulled six on a pitch that offered little encouragement for strokeplay. Her 97 from 82 balls was not just her personal best, but also a defining knock that set the tone for Pakistan’s imposing total of 306-8. She combined with Sidra Amin (41 from 64) in a 103-run second-wicket partnership that blunted the home side’s early hopes.
Gull Feroza, Pakistan’s other opener, fell early after a brief flurry, but the visitors’ top order showed remarkable resilience. Ayesha Zafar, Pakistan’s leading run-scorer for the series, contributed a handy 30, while Najiha Alvi and the lower order rotated the strike and kept the scoreboard ticking. Zafar, who had already impressed with scores of 81 and 75 in the earlier ODIs, continued to anchor the middle overs and demonstrated why she’s been Pakistan’s batting beacon this tour, finishing as her side’s top series run-getter with 156 at an average of 78.
But it was captain Fatima Sana who truly stole the spotlight in the closing overs. Entering with intent, Sana hammered a rapid 60 from just 41 balls, peppering the boundary with three fours and five sixes. Her straight drives and slog-sweeps left the Protea Women’s bowlers searching for answers as she propelled Pakistan beyond the 300-run mark. According to match reports, "Fatima Sana belted a glorious 60 from just 41 balls in the closing overs with three fours and five sixes to push the total beyond 300 as she perfected the straight drive and slog-sweep to leave the Protea Women requiring a record chase at the venue."
South Africa’s fielding woes compounded their problems. Ten wides, five no-balls, and six dropped catches haunted the home side throughout the innings, undermining any chance of restricting Pakistan’s total. The bowlers, led by Sune Luus (3-42), struggled for consistency, and the extras piled on the pressure. The Black Day ODI, while emotionally significant, saw the Proteas fail to deliver the clinical finish their captain had called for just a day earlier.
Chasing a record total at Kingsmead, South Africa’s reply began in disaster. Tasmia Rubab and Fatima Sana combined to reduce the hosts to a calamitous 7-3 inside two overs. Wolvaardt, Brits, and Luus all fell cheaply, leaving the Proteas with a mountain to climb. Faye Tunnicliffe (47 from 51) and Annerie Dercksen (54 from 67) attempted to steady the ship with an 85-run stand, but the damage had already been done.
Pakistan’s spinners then took over. Sadia Iqbal led the charge with 3-41 from her 10 overs, while Nashra Sandhu (2-25) and Umm-e-Hani (2-35) ensured the Proteas never found their footing. The slow bowlers accounted for seven wickets between them, exploiting helpful conditions and stifling the South African middle and lower order. Sinalo Jafta offered brief resistance with 33 from 34, but wickets tumbled at regular intervals, and the home side was eventually dismissed for 187 in 36.2 overs.
Throughout the series, Pakistan’s key players had shown flashes of brilliance. Ayesha Zafar’s consistency at the top, Fatima Sana’s all-round prowess, and Syeda Aroob Shah’s leg-spin (who also chipped in with the bat throughout the tour) had kept the tourists competitive, even in defeat. On this day, their collective effort finally bore fruit. As the ball-by-ball commentary revealed, Pakistan’s aggressive approach and disciplined bowling left South Africa reeling and the crowd buzzing.
Beyond the boundary, the match carried deep social resonance. South Africa’s players donned black kits with purple accents—the first time purple has been included—to symbolize bravery and the ongoing fight against GBV. Captain Laura Wolvaardt had emphasized before the match, "It’s a huge day for us. Being able to bring some awareness to gender-based violence using our platform is vital. It is about highlighting the bravery of women affected by it. If there is even a small difference we can make by bringing awareness towards the cause, that is huge for us as a group. It’s a very special day for all of us." The Proteas were determined to win a Black Day ODI for the first time in years, but fate, and Pakistan’s inspired cricket, had other plans.
Despite the defeat, South Africa claimed the ODI series 2-1 and could take solace in their earlier performances, as well as their victory in the T20I series. For Pakistan, the consolation win was more than just a statistic—it was a statement of resilience, a reward for perseverance, and a fitting capstone to a challenging tour.
As the sun set over Durban, the significance of the day lingered. Cricket had played its part in spotlighting a pressing social issue, and Pakistan’s women had played theirs in ensuring the contest ended with a flourish. The Proteas, meanwhile, will look to regroup and build on their series success, but this Black Day ODI will be remembered for both its message and its memorable cricketing moments.